Nine Florida Gators selected in 2015 MLB Draft

The Florida Gators baseball team saw nine of its current players selected over the last three days during the 40-round 2015 MLB Draft, though it is unknown as of press time how many of those drafted players will leave the program to turn professional.

Junior shortstop Richie Martin was the first Florida player drafted when he was chosen by the Oakland Athletics with the No. 20 overall pick in the first round.

Joining Martin as particularly high-round selections were junior outfielder Harrison Bader (third round, No. 100 overall to the St. Louis Cardinals and junior right-handed pitcher Eric Hanhold (sixth round, No. 181 overall to the Milwaukee Brewers).

Below are the current Gators who were selected from Monday-Wednesday. Decisions on whether to turn pro will likely come for these players following the 2015 College World Series, which concludes at the end of June.

Height: 6’0″ – Weight: 185 lbs.
B/T: R/R – Class: Junior

Martin, who has started every game for the Gators in 2015 and leads Florida in both runs (59) and stolen bases (20), is expected to turn pro after this season. He fielding .985 and batting .292 with five home runs, 33 RBI and 33 walks.

Height: 6’0″ – Weight: 190 lbs.
B/T: R/R – Class: Junior

Bader has been strong all season for the Gators, batting .292 with 15 home runs, 61 RBIs and 31 walks, all second-most on the team. He is also perfect fielding his position this season (1.000) with 10 assists and no errors in 2015. As an early-round pick, Bader will likely leave UF after the CWS.

Height: 6’5″ – Weight: 205 lbs.
B/T: R/R – Class: Junior

Though he holds a 4.26 ERA in 14 appearances with four starts, Hanhold has struck out 23 batters in 25.1 innings and shown flashes of a player who can succeed after a long stay in the minor leagues.

Height: 6’2″ – Weight: 200 lbs.
B/T: L/L – Class: Junior

Young has been one of the Gators’ best relievers, posting a 2.42 ERA in 18 appearances. He has caught batters looking or swinging 23 times in 26.0 innings and registered two saves on the season.

Height: 6’0″ – Weight: 170 lbs.
B/T: R/R – Class: Junior

Florida’s closer, Lewis boasts the team’s best ERA (1.24) and win/loss record (6-1) despite not making a single start this season. He also has a team-high seven saves despite only registering 31 strikeouts in 51.0 innings. Lewis has also held the Gators’ opponents to a .215 batting average.

Height: 5’10” – Weight: 205 lbs.
B/T: S/R – Class: Senior

A tremendous fielder (.992) at the hot corner, Tobias has also shown an ability to make contact with a .373 average and 41 RBIs on the season. The speedster has converted 11-of-13 stolen base attempts and picked up 118 total bases, third-most on the team. He’s also registered a team-high five triples. As a senior, Tobias will his career on the professional level.

Height: 6’0″ – Weight: 205 lbs.
B/T: L/L – Class: Senior

Poyner has appeared in the second-most games for the Gators on the mound, registering a 2.73 ERA and 5-2 record with four saves. The senior has notched 56 strikeouts in 59.1 innings and held opponents to a .231 average at the plate.

Height: 6’4″ – Weight: 215 lbs.
B/T: R/R – Class: Redshirt sophomore

Vinson did not see much action for Florida in 2015, making just seven appearances but doing rather well in his outings with four strikeouts in 6.0 innings and a 2-0 record. He will likely end the season with a 3.00 ERA while holding opposing batters to .143 at the plate.

Height: 5’11” – Weight: 190 lbs.
B/T: L/R – Class: Junior

Rhodes did not give up a lot of hits this season but when he did they tended to hurt the Gators. He enters the CWS with a 3.86 ERA in 16 appearances despite holding the opposition to .189 at the plate.